Poughkeepsie Journal, Hudson Valley Wine Goddess Rave About Hudson-Chatham Winery
When I first met Carlo of Hudson-Chatham Winery he hadn’t even opened his winery. He was a year away from that. Since he’s opened it I usually make at least one if not more visits to see him and Dominique, and what they are up to.
What was once a small winery nestled in the town of Ghent, Columbia County , is growing like a wild vine.
Since it was a beautiful day we sat outside and had a glass of their rosé, or as Carlo calls it, his “orange wine.” It is made from seyval, geneva and concord grapes. The grapes were all pressed together.
Shortly after the rosé was poured we ended up walking over to the “Solera building,” which will house a maximum of 20 barrels for the purpose of making sherry. He is using the technique they use in Spain , maturing the wine using the solera system, where you gradually blend small amounts of young wines with the older stocks in such a way that it is assimilated by the older wine. It will then pick up the characteristic of the aged wine.
We then moved into their tank and barrel area. Lo and behold, they are entering into the cider realm. Ron Bixby is their new cider maker and he is from Little Apple Farm, a 5-acre, 100-year-old organic apple farm. They have made 150 cases of organic natural apple cider, which is fermented in the bottle like a Belgium ale.
The barrel room that use to house their wine, port and sherry, is now dedicated to only the red wine from the 2013 harvest. The port and sherry are over in the solera. Carlo said it’s going to be a good year, as it was a super vintage. And he’s excited!
They will be coming out this year with five Baco Noirs. They will have the Estate Baco, Reserve Baco from Casscels Vineyard, Middlehope Baco, which comes from 40-year-old vines, Old Vines Baco and the Fieldstone Baco. New to their portfolio is pinot noir and chardonnay from Peter Brengall’s Farm in Columbia County.
Also new is their Rivers Edge blend, which is a wacky hybrid blend of Berden and Chambourcin , but it tastes like a pinot noir, according to Carlo. It did have acidity like a pinot and a little raspberry on the profile.
In addition to the wine they are launching a food program complete with jams and drizzles. Look for a catalog soon or visit the food table they will have in addition to their wine table at many local wine festivals..
Carlo and Dominique are doing some wonderful things at their winery. If you are in the Hudson Valley for a day or weekend, they are a must stop and taste. Visit www.hudson-chathamwinery.com for more information.
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posted by Carlo De Vito | 7:07 AM
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